I hear that question every day mostly from people who use this type of watch for "formal" reasons (they don't wear it to work). Where do they leave it? Most people say in a draw or in the box. Is this you? Most likely, but for some, more likely.
For more on how the Eco Drive works, please click here.
First Citizen claim:
"The Energy Cells featured in our Eco Drive product have a life of 40 years. Even after 20 years it will still maintain 80% of its original charge capacity. It is highly unusual for one of these special cells to fail."
Second Citizen claim:
"Your Eco-Drive needs light to operate correctly. While most types of light will charge your watch, it can take extended periods of time with "normal" lighting. In these circumstances, we recommend charging by exposing your watch to direct sunlight. Sunlight through a window is acceptable but do be aware the glass in your window will refract and minimize light energy coming through so additional charging time may be needed. After fully charging your watch, be sure to do the all reset/0-positioning(some models) and set your watch, otherwise it may continue to operate in an unusual manner. Charging rates vary by model."
Third Citizen claim:
"Eco Drive = Never Needs a Battery"
Most of what Citizen claims is true, but only to a point. Without knowing the exact chemical composition of the Citizen Lithium-Ion battery, I can only give you specific facts on a traditional lithium ion battery.
Fact 1.
A known drawback of the Lithium-ion battery is that its service life is dependent upon it's shelf life. From day one (regardless if it was charged or the number of charge/discharge cycles) a lithium ion battery will decline slowly in power capacity. This means an older lithium-ion battery will not last as long as a new lithium-ion battery, unlike other batteries. As this capacity decreases over time, the time required to charge it also decreases proportionally (you see it everyday with your cellular phones).
Fact 2.
Lithium-ion batteries should not be allowed to fully discharged below their minimum voltage, 2.4 V to 3.0 V per cell. Lithium ion batteries should be kept in a cool dry environment. Aging will increase at high temperatures like in front of a window or directly under a lamp.
Fact 3.
Lithium-ion batteries will rupture, could ignite, or explode when exposed to high temperature environments, for example in an area that is prone to prolonged direct sunlight through a window.
Fact 4.
Our (meaning the human race) battery technology is slowly involving to a better battery, but we are not there yet. Don't believe me? Why does the average cellular phone battery die in 3-5 years? Why are we not driving in electric vehicles. While our batteries are getting better in weight and longer life, it still isn't "there" yet.
So with those facts in hand about a lithium-ion battery, are those claims made by Citizen entirely true? Not exactly. You will need to replace the lithium-ion battery. When? Like I mentioned above, I don't know the exact chemical composition of the Citizen Lithium-Ion battery, so I can only give you ideas... maybe 5 years to 20 years? Yes it is a big difference in time because some people may abuse their ecodrive, and some may not.
If you your eco-drive watch died and you followed step-by-step guidelines outlined in your Operating Instructions Booklet, then contact Citizen directly to send your watch in for repair.
Notes Regarding Recharging your Citizen Ecodrive:
1. Always Make Sure to Recharge Frequently - watch out for long sleeves too! Long sleeves can block light.
2. When you take off your Eco Drive, place it in a bright, cool location as best as possible.
3. Avoid recharging the Eco-Drive in close proximity to an incandescent lamp, halogen lamp, on the dashboard of an automobile or other locations subject to high temperatures.
4. If you have to charge the watch by a lamp, keep the Eco-Drive about 2 feet from the light source to prevent your watch from getting hot.
Please visit CitizenWatch.com for more advice on your Eco Drive.
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